A (Partial) Beach Boys Pet Sounds Reunion!

By Michael DeMartin

Well, it's almost a dream come true. Al Jardine will be joining Brian on his upcoming Pet Sounds tour dates later this year. I've been told that Brian and Al had become friends again awhile back, so these shows will be even more special with Al involved. Should be interesting what Al does, since he didn't sing any leads on Pet Sounds. But his unique voice will sure make the backgrounds cool, and I wouldn't be surprised if Brian threw him the "Sloop John B" lead. It would be cool for Mike and Bruce to come on for these special dates, but that's not gonna happen. In any case, here's the official info that appears in today's USA TODAY:

Two Beach Boys to reunite

Last week I was asked about the possibilities of a Beach Boys reunion. Now we have at least a partial one.

Brian Wilson will be playing five dates in November to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds (which some, although not Mike Love, have argued is virtually a Brian solo work). Those dates: Nov. 1 in L.A.; Nov. 17 in Boston; Nov. 18 in Washington, D.C.; Nov. 19 in Glenside, Pa.; and Nov. 21 in New York. On the last four of these dates (and maybe the first one; it's not firm yet), former Beach Boy Al Jardine will join Wilson, the first time in over a decade that they've shared a stage. A few West Coast shows might be added afterward.

It's also billed as the last time Wilson will perform Pet Sounds in its entirety, so it may well be quite an occasion.